Rhode Island retiree donates milestone 100th gallon of blood

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Rhode Island man just reached an extraordinary milestone that’s saving lives across the Ocean State.

Paul Rego, a longtime donor, gave his 100th gallon of blood at the Rhode Island Blood Center in Providence.

It’s a milestone nearly three decades in the making for the retiree, giving mostly platelets, which are a lifeline for cancer patients.

He began donating in the 90s, and it quickly became a routine, one that he says just felt like the right thing to do.

“Because someone needed some double red cells and I came in and donated,” said Rego.

“A few years later my mother-in-law had a kidney removed and I donated in advance blood for her, that was in 1996, and 100 gallons later.”

Platelets are a specific component of blood used in treatments for everything from trauma injuries to chronic illnesses, including cancer treatment.

“Platelets are only good for up to seven days so they’re not available for a very long period of time,” said Nicole Pineault, Rhode Island Blood Center Executive Director.

“We need a regular donor base that’s coming in consistently.”

For Paul, each visit is not just about giving, it’s about the people it helps.

“We get notices a lot from the blood center, that our platelets are on the way to help a certain person or a young child,” said Rego.

Officials at the blood center said more awareness is needed about just how easy, and meaningful, donating can be.

As for Paul, he’s not slowing down any time soon.

“This is just a milestone, like 75 was, 80 was,” said Rego.

“It’s just a number. I just keep on going.”